For the first time since the 2012‑13 season, the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year shortlist contains no representatives from either Celtic or Rangers. The four nominees this year are Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland, along with Motherwell’s rising talents Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise. The award is decided by a vote of the players competing in Scotland’s top division, making the recognition especially meaningful for those who have performed consistently throughout the campaign.
Hearts sit at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, currently three points clear of Celtic, while Rangers trail by an additional point after a disappointing loss to the Steelmen on Sunday. This narrow margin at the top of the table underscores the competitive nature of the league this season and highlights why the individual accolades are so hotly contested. Claudio Braga, the Portuguese striker who arrived at Hearts during the summer transfer window, has quickly become a key figure in the Jambo’s attack. He leads the club’s scoring charts with 14 goals and has added five assists, contributing directly to 19 of the team’s goals.
Remarkably, Braga has featured in every one of Hearts’ 34 league fixtures to date, demonstrating both fitness and consistency. His ability to find space in the box, combine with teammates, and finish with both feet has made him a constant threat to opposition defences.
Lawrence Shankland, the captain of Hearts and the previous year’s winner of the same award, has also enjoyed a prolific season despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury. Since returning to action, Shankland has tallied 13 goals in 25 league appearances, a strike‑rate that reflects his natural goal‑scoring instincts and leadership on the pitch.
His experience and composure in crucial moments have helped Hearts maintain their lead in the title race. Elijah Just, the New Zealand winger who signed for Motherwell, has been described as a revelation since his arrival. In 31 Premiership matches he has recorded seven goals and eight assists, directly influencing 15 goals for the Fir Park side.
His pace down the flanks, ability to cut inside and deliver accurate crosses, and knack for scoring from distance have turned Motherwell into a more dynamic attacking unit, propelling them to fourth place in the current standings. Tawanda Maswanhise, the 23‑year‑old striker who joined Motherwell in 2024, is currently the league’s leading scorer with 17 goals from 31 games.
Under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, Maswanhise has dramatically improved his output, having found the net only five times in the previous season. His physical presence, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing have made him a focal point of Motherwell’s offense and a serious contender for the Player of the Year award.
Beyond the four main nominees, several other players have attracted attention for their performances. Barney Stewart, a 22‑year‑old forward, broke through at Falkirk after a loan spell at Dunfermline earlier in the season.
Having played university football just two years ago, Stewart has already scored eight Premiership goals for the Bairns, adding six more during his time with the Pars in the Championship, illustrating his rapid development. Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall is the sole nominee from outside the top tier. The 19‑year‑old has contributed 11 goals and two assists for the part‑time Championship side, playing a pivotal role in their push for a place in the promotion play‑offs. Defender Luke Graham has been a stalwart for Dundee, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league matches.
His consistency at the back, aerial ability, and leadership have helped Dundee maintain a solid defensive record. On loan from Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers winger Mikey Moore, only 18, is the youngest nominee on the list.
After a slow start to his loan spell, Moore has become a key player for Danny Röhl’s side, providing six goals and two assists as Rangers chase the title alongside Hearts and Celtic. In the women’s game, Glasgow City’s Lee Gibson and Nicole Kozlova have been shortlisted for the PFA Scotland SWPL Player of the Year award, joining Hearts’ Georgia Timms and Rangers forward Katie Wilkinson.
The SWPL also features a Young Player shortlist, with Laura Berry and May Cruft representing Rangers, while Hibernian’s Rosie Livingstone and Glasgow City’s Lisa Forrest round out the nominees. Hearts currently lead the SWPL, two points ahead of Glasgow City, with Rangers a further two points back in third place. As the 2025/26 season approaches its climax, fans are invited to vote for the Scottish Premiership Goal of the Season. The shortlist includes Marko Lazetic (Aberdeen), Reo Hatate (Celtic), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Hyun‑Jun Yang (Celtic), Sebastian Tounekti (Celtic), Ethan Hamilton (Dundee), Zac Sapsford (Dundee United), Kyrell Wilson (Falkirk), Alex Kyziridis (Hearts), Ben Brannan (Kilmarnock), and Rangers duo Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti.
Supporters can view all twelve goals and cast their votes online. In addition to the football action, PFA Scotland is promoting its Super 6 competition, offering participants the chance to win a £250,000 prize pool. Entry to the competition is free, and the promotion encourages fans to engage further with the sport throughout the season.
Overall, the absence of Old Firm players from the Player of the Year shortlist reflects the increasingly competitive nature of Scottish football, where talent from clubs across the league is making a significant impact. The nominations celebrate individual excellence while also underscoring the collective ambition of teams like Hearts and Motherwell to challenge the traditional dominance of Celtic and Rangers.
The upcoming vote will determine which of these outstanding performers will lift the coveted PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year trophy.